“We always got on
extremely well and I am pleased that our last joint engagement was
the annual dinner of the London Mayors’ Association, an
organisation that Geoff was proud to be part of.

“He will be greatly
missed, and I offer our condolences to his family and friends.”

Conservative leader
Cllr Alan Siggers said it was “an honour” to pay tribute to his
late colleague, who he added was also “immensely proud” of his
work with the British Legion.

He added: “With a man
like Geoff, so steeped in civic duty, it is easy to forget that he
was also a husband, a father, a loyal partner and a friend.

“His loss to those
closest to him will already be deeply felt as it is to his friends
and colleagues in the Conservative group and Association. As we think
of him today, I know we will remember and celebrate Geoff Walker.”

Council leader Cllr
Clare Coghill commended Cllr Walker as a “committed public servant”
who worked with councillors “across the political spectrum” and
was chair of the Armed Forces Day Committee.

She added: “He will
be sorely missed, and my deepest condolences go out to his friends
and family.”